Worldwide
Guide to Women in LeadershipRepublic of Kiribati/
Ribaberikin I Kiribati (Female suffrage 1936/1967 as the Island Gilbert in the Gilbert and
Ellics Isls. [Ellice is today Tuvalu]) Independent Republic 1979

1975-77 Minister of Public
Health Tereki Tibwere Russell
First female MP 1971-78. Lecturer until her retirement in 1994.

1991-circa 98 Permanent
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Makurita (Margaret) Baaro
From circa 1998 Director of the Political and International Affair’s Division of
the Pacific Forum.

2003-16 Vice-President Teima Onorio
2003-07 Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Development
2007-08 Minister of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives2008-12 Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Development
2012-16 Minister of Internal Affairs and Social Development
MP 1998-2002.

2008- Secretary of Foreign Affairs Tessie Erica Lambourne Deputy Secretary prior to
her appoint. Since the office of Foreign Minister is held by Kiribati's
President, she often represents the country abroad.

2012-16 Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Development
Maere Tekanene